Lexus SC 430 Is A Left-Field Choice For A Pickup Conversion

The second-gen Lexus SC (2000-2010) is not the most practical vehicle of choice but an owner from the US found a way of adding extra room for cargo. The result is the pictured Lexus SC ute which uniquely combines a bespoke rear bed with the retractable roof of the Japanese V8-powered RWD roadster.

Two photos of the unconventional build were published on the “Shitty Car Mods” thread on Reddit, generating mixed comments. Some users find it a cool idea, while others don’t like it at all. As for how it came to be, it’s possible that someone got hold of a salvaged Lexus SC 430 that had been rear-ended, making a case for a ute conversion.

Read: Is This BMW M4 Ute Conversion A Stroke Of Genius Or Not?

The Lexus SC ute retains the original body panels up to the B-pillar. This means that the retractable roof is intact, as with the entire front end, fenders, and doors. The wheelbase also appears to remain unchanged, as are the limited ground clearance and the signature alloy wheels of the pre-facelifted model.

Predictably, the modifications are focused on the rear end which sheds the soft roadster design for a more spartan and utilitarian layout. Metal panels have been placed on the sides, combined with a flat tailgate on the stretched rear overhang. The finishing touch is the truck-sourced taillights and the stock dual exhaust pipes which certainly add to the appeal. The entire rear structure has been left unpainted for a Cybertruck-style effect, although this could be just a temporary solution until the ute gets a new livery.

There’s no word on modifications on the car’s powertrain. Mind you, the Lexus SC 430 came fitted with a 4.3-liter V8 engine producing 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque, exclusively mated to an automatic transmission that sent power to the rear axle. Those figures are largely unimpressive for today’s standards but they will certainly allow the ute to carry plenty of stuff from the local supermarket or electronics store.